Generally, picking a rifle scope or red dot should be centered on how the rifle will be used. User intention and preference will determine whether a red scope or rifle scope is the best type of optic for the shooting and firearm application.
Since you will be picking your optic primarily upon intended features and applications, here is a list of how rifle scope and red dot sight compare.
Hunting
It is hard to narrow down which is excellent when it comes to hunting as both kinds of optics are used for everything from deer to turkeys and coyotes. The choice will depend on different factors from environment, weatherproofing, type of firearm, hunting ranges, etc.
If you are in the woods in a treestand, using muzzleloader, shotgun, or an AR for ranges of 100 yards and in, a red dot sight will make a right optic. Their quick target acquisition and close-range advantages, mainly if you both and the target are mobile, will be valued in these scenarios and situations.
Magnified optics don’t make you an excellent shooter, but you can view better mainly if you are hunting in open country. 3.9x magnification is very famous hunting scope configuration for the distances and atmosphere most generally hunt in.
So, while red dots are right to around 200 yards max in the hands of an average shooter, most people are taking shots up to approximately 100 yards with them. BDC reticles, the magnification, and longer distance capability of rifle scopes provide them an edge.
Target shooting
Range or target shooting to sight in plink, optic or just to keep your marksman expertise sharp is a thrill experience regardless of whether it is a with a red dot sight or rifle scope.
If you are continually shooting within hundred yards, a red dot sight can help you hit the target every time. You can practice different positions and stances or run routine training to hear the ping of steel every time.
Anyway, if you are continually shooting from a bench or reading beyond the hundred yard mark, a scope will compliment your style.
Competitions
Competitions shooters will each have their own preferences as to which kind of optic they use and find successful. Many kinds of match needs shooting at extremely close ranges like 25, 30 and 50 yards to immediately needing to engage targets at longer distances.
This not just involves distances but magnification. Red dots like OlightOsight 3 MOA with magnetic charger are best for quick shooting on close-range targets but getting that dot to earn more points at longer distances means focused aiming and precision accuracy, not just hitting the target.
Some famous configurations contain a magnifier behind a red dot sight. The magnifier can be swung in and out of place as required. Another configuration consists of red dot combo and rifle scope. With an offset mount or swing mount, you have the benefit of using a red dot for close-range engagement and then a FFP scope for those longer target shots.
Weight and size
Red dot sights are smaller and lighter than magnified scopes. Usually weighting in at less than 16 oz, the red dot sight is a lightweight optic for an AR-15 that likely has more accessories on it than it truly needs.
Scopes have a strong glass, and magnification that includes to length and bulk. They can be as light as ten oz but generally they are around 16-25 oz. larger and heavier rifle scopes tend to have thicker tubes of 30mm and 34mm, high variable magnification and big objective bells with apertures bigger than 44mm.
The mounting systems for both red dots and scopes will also include to full weight. Optic size and mounting systems must be considered as it can affect the mount profile.
Speed
Definitely, the illuminated red dot is very simple, draws the eye, and is made to be quick to aim and shoot with. Additionally, the red dot sight is much more forgiving with imperfect head and checkweld positions.
There are essential specs of a red dot that lends itself towards CQB engagements, home defense applications, and tactical use.
Visibility
Being capable to view the target through a red dot sight or scope is one thing and being capable to view your reticle is another. There are many types of reticles with both magnified scopes and red dot sights, and existing vision impairments can affect focus and viewing standard.
While red dots are very famous for their simple dot reticle and illumination, those with astigmatisms have a hard time using them. The dot can look like clusters, double dots, comet with a smudge, tail, or some other anomaly.
Price
Both red dot sights and scopes are accessible at every price point regardless of your budget. You can find rifle scopes under $100 and remarkable value red dot sights. What is more costly? Rifle scopes cost more than red dot sights.
Red dot sights can run into 100 to 1000s of dollars, but at that point, you are also adding specialized features such as magnification, lasers, thermal, night vision and many more.
Red dot Vs scope: which is better?
When it comes to picking the right rifle optic, there are two initial options, red dot sights and rifle scope. Each has its own special pros and cons, making it essential to understand the differences between them. red dot sights are usually quick to use and excel in close-range distances.
They provide several advantages that rifle scopes cannot match, such as ease of use, quick target acquisition, and wide field of view. Anyway, rifle scopes give more precision at longer ranges due to their magnification features, permitting users to rightly place crosshairs on their target.
Ultimately, the choice between a rifle scope and red dot sight depends on user’s preference and the specific needs of their shooting, competition applications. By matching the advantages and specs of each type of optic, you can determine which one top suite your needs.